Study in the UK
With a strong reputation for research and education, UK universities and colleges attract some of the world’s leading academics and industry professionals. The UK is a welcoming place for students of all nationalities and faiths and will offer you opportunities to experience its unique culture, cities and countryside.
Required scores and useful information
"IELTS is recognised by institutions all over the world and it is stated in their application requirements."
Murni Salina Saharudin, Universiti Selangor, IELTS score 6.5
Download IELTS Guide - Study in the UK
Work in the UK
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) uses the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to gauge a visa applicant’s language proficiency level in the Points-based System (PBS). The PBS allows migrants to apply to work or study in the UK via one of five tiers. If applying under Tier 1 or 2, migrants are required to provide proof of their English language ability. IELTS is an approved English language test which can provide this proof.
| Visa description | CEFR level required | Skills | IELTS test and score required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa |
B1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | IELTS – 4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
| Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa |
B1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | IELTS – 4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
| Tier 2 General visa |
B1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | IELTS – 4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
| Tier 2 Sportsperson visa |
A1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | IELTS – 4.0 overall, and for each of the four skills |
| Tier 2 Minister of Religion visa |
B2 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | IELTS – 5.5 overall, and for each of the four skills |
Work Visas: The Points-based System
UK Immigration’s Points-based System (PBS) is the tool used to manage applications by individuals who wish to work, train or study in the UK. Within the PBS, there are different employment routes available to foreign nationals:
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)
The Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa is for highly-skilled migrants who want to set up or take over, and be actively involved in, the running of a business in the UK. You can score 10 points on your English language proficiency by obtaining at least CEFR level B1 (IELTS overall band score 4) in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)
The Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa is intended for recent graduates that want to set up a business in the UK. You can score 10 points on your English language proficiency by obtaining at least CEFR level B1 (IELTS overall band score 4) in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Tier 2 (General)
The Tier 2 General Visa is the best option for most students hoping to work in the UK after their studies. Tier 2 of the PBS in the UK is for skilled migrants with a job offer. You can score 10 points on your English language proficiency by obtaining at least CEFR level B1 (IELTS overall band score 4) in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)
You can apply for a Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) Visa if you have been offered a job within a faith community (e.g. as a minister of religion, missionary, or member of a religious order) in the UK. You can score 10 points on your English language proficiency by obtaining at least CEFR level B2 (IELTS overall band score 5.5) in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Tier 2 (Sportsperson)
The Tier 2 (Sportsperson) Visa is for elite sportspeople and coaches whose employment will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level in the UK. Applicants must be internationally established at the highest level of their particular sport. You can score 10 points on your English language proficiency by obtaining at least CEFR level A1 (IELTS overall band score 4) in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
For more details, please visit the UK Government's website.
Migrate to the UK
IELTS is on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) list of approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT). The general test consists of 4 components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. If you wish to migrate to the UK and need to prove your English language level for a UKVI application, you will need to take your test at a specific test location authorised by UKVI. IELTS Life Skills is a single test covering speaking and listening skills. This test is for those who need to prove their speaking and listening skills at Levels A1, A2 or B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
IELTS Life Skills A1
This test is for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for a Family Visa, Spouse Visa or Partner Visa. The A1 level within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is equivalent to ESOL Entry 1 on the National Qualification Framework (NQF).
IELTS Life Skills B1
This test is for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for a Citizenship/Settlement Visa. The B1 level within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is equivalent to ESOL Entry 3 on the National Qualification Framework (NQF).
Visit the UK Government website to find out more about visa requirements for migration to the UK.
